Navy lifts operational pause of Growlers, Super Hornets

December 20, 2016

By: Emily Cole

The Navy has lifted the operational pause on E/A-18G Growler and F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet squadrons, according to a Naval Air Forces press release.

The pause was placed Friday after a Growler accident caused injuries to the pilot and electronic warfare officer, as well as damage to the aircraft, at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, the release said.

“After Naval Air Systems Command and Boeing engineers investigated and identified several factors that likely contributed to the mishap, Naval Air Forces directed mitigation measures be implemented across the F-18 Fleet, since there are some similarities in the component designs for the affected systems in the recent Growler mishap,” according to the release.

Once squadrons have briefed and incorporated the measures, which include changes to aircraft water-wash procedures and updates to Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization, normal flight operations may resume.